A Novel Idea – March meeting

This month we discussed Liane Moriarty’s “What Alice Forgot”. Some members found the concept of memory loss to be disturbing and “too close to home”, but generally the book was well liked.

One person said that the parts of the story told from the perspective of Elisabeth and Frannie were distracting and she skipped over these sections to get back to Alice’s story, but most other members agreed that reading the story told from a different perspective added to their enjoyment of the book.

There was some lively discussion and flipping of pages as we tried to remember the name of the friend who died. – Gina.

Gina’s character was important in the book as it was surmised that

Her forceful and driven character was what motivated Alice to become a “high-achiever”

Nick’s jealously of Alice spending time with Gina had deepened the rift in their marriage.

Alice, at the time of her gym accident, may have been suffering from “Survival Guilt” over the Gina’s death.

There was further discussion on The Giant Meringue; and Alice’s mother’s relationship with Nick’s father.

Most of the group agreed that the new Alice (after the memory loss) was nicer than the old Alice.

Next month we are reading Paula Hawkins “The Girl on the Train”

Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cosy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck.

She’s even started to feel like she knows them. Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.

And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved.